| According to Google, the definition of “father” is “a man in relation to his child or children.” I don’t know about you, but I found that definition far from comprehensive. So, I opened a dictionary and looked a little further.
“Father: (n) an important figure in the origin and early history of something.” That’s more like it. On Father’s Day, we celebrate our fathers as important figures in the origin and early history of us.
They teach us how to throw a ball, mow a lawn, change a tire, and shake a hand. They show us how to respect others, handle conflict, work hard, and carry ourselves. They prove to us that no matter how tough you seem on the outside, it’s okay to stay soft on the inside.
We love our dads through their bad jokes, no matter how much they insist they hate the dog (though we always find them cuddled up together when no one’s looking), regardless of their embarrassing cheers at our sporting events, and despite the hard time they give us when we go on our first dates. Our dads are there through it all.
We’re thankful for the lessons they’ve taught us, the stories they’ve shared, the midnight snacks we’ve snuck together, the times we’ve agreed to “just not tell mom,” and the support they continue to show no matter how many gray hairs we give them.
Today, thank an important figure in the origin and early history of you. Whether that figure is a dad, mom, uncle, aunt, grandparent, friend, mentor, or boss. And, when given the chance, be an important figure in the origin and early history of someone else. Happy Father’s Day! |